In one of the most oppressive times in Hmong history, a Hmong hero named Wu Bayue (Vue Paj Yias) arose. Wu Bayue led one of the bloodiest rebellions against the Qing government, known in history as the Great Miao Rebellion, in the early 19th century. He carries a weapon that is 45.5 kilograms; today, it is displayed at the Jishou Bau Wu Guan Museum in Jishou, Hunan province. It was one of the last Hmong conflicts with the Chinese government before many Hmong escaped to Southeast Asia. Wu Bayue lived in Ping Long village near today’s Feng Huang City, Hunan, China. He married the only daughter, Shi Kue, of a Hmong martial arts master named Shi Lao Xi. Wu Bayue was an intelligent, wise, and talented man. He learned martial arts, literature, and Hmong culture, including qi kong (khawv koob) and shamanism, from his father-in-law and heritage when his father-in-law passed away. Wu Bayue has four sons and one daughter. He was betrayed, captured, and executed on March 25, 1796. When he was captured, he solely took responsibility for the whole rebellion. He said he considered death as an escape from work to retirement. He was 67 years old.
Credit to President Adam Vue
